W520 i7 2820QM Vs i7 2760QM - How do they compare ?

[visitor]

I'm looking at these two models :

W520 4276-39U (i7 2820QM) 2.3 ghz cpu 8mb of L3 cache
W520 4276-3KU (i7 2760QM) 2.4 ghz cpu 6mb of L3 cache


Is there any significant difference between these two models regarding performance, heat, RAM, screen, etc ?

A second question: I'll be using this (hopefully) coming Thinkpad basically for standard video (DV) editing (cut/convert formats as opposed to creating video material), and also multitrack audio with an external audio card.
So I was wondering: if I switch off the discrete video card in BIOS, would that ensure that I have full power with less heat ? I have read quite a few threads mentioning that these machines sometimes stop working when using intense processing tasks because the heat gets too high.
I need intense CPU processing for converting files in less time, but I don't use games.

A third question: for general use (text, internet browsing, photo viewing (eventual simple editing, not Photoshop), would I be missing something by choosing another model with a 1600 display instead of a 1920 one ?

Thanks for helping me decide.


Visitor
(X201s, X60s, previously: X31, T42, T23)

[Cola]

Imo you should go for the one with the i7 2760QM and the FHD (1920x1080) display.

You wont need that extra bit of CPU power, unless you are heavily multitasking, or running heavy video edits.
You'd rather want FHD display as it gives you that extra bit of space compared to the HD+ (1600x900) resolution. Also gives you sharper/clearer image.


Good luck with it

[visitor]

Cola, you made an excellent point about the display. As to the CPUs, isn't the 2760 a MORE powerful processor ? Or maybe the difference in L3 cache would affect things ?
Thank you very much for helping.

Visitor (X201s, X60s, previously: X31, T42, T23)

[Cola]

Cola, you made an excellent point about the display. As to the CPUs, isn't the 2760 a MORE powerful processor ? Or maybe the difference in L3 cache would affect things ?
Thank you very much for helping.

Visitor (X201s, X60s, previously: X31, T42, T23)

Darn it, I'm sorry, I mistakenly thought that it said 2670QM. Thought the 2820 does have more L3 cache, but you wont really ever need it, or feel that extra bit. Besides, the 2760 has got higher clock, so in theory, it should be quicker.

So in that case it's an easy choice in my opinion. Go for FHD display and 2760 CPU.

[indicium]

Check this link on the mobile processor comparison between the 2820 and the 2760.

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Pro ... 436.0.html

There is not much difference between the two, the 2760QM is the newer processor. Also, look at the 4276-3JU which has FHD screen is only $90 more than the 4276-3KU on Pricegrabber.com.

[visitor]

Indicium,

I find it intriguing that the 2760QM with 6gb L3 is newer than the 2820QM with 8gb L3, after all the nomenclature goes up 26xx, 27xx, 28xx, 29xx ...
But from the chart you've indicated it seems clear that the 2760 has some 100ghz performance edge against the 2820.

But since I'm not buying in the US, the seller only has these two models, aside from a much more expensive one with the 2860QM chip.

And the most curious thing is that he is asking more money for the 4276-39U (i7 2820QM) than for the 4276-3KU (i7 2760QM). So that got me thinking whether or not the 39U machine has some extra functionality that is not evident.

Thanks for helping.
Visitor
(X201s, X60s, previously: X31, T42, T23)

[Cola]

Visitor:

The 39U has these specs (according to Lenovo's official website, so this is true)
i7-2820QM(2.3GHz)
8GB RAM
500GB
7200rpm HD
15.6in 1920x1080 LCD
2GB Nvidia Quadro 1000M
CDRW/DVDRW
Intel 802.11agn, WWAN option, Bluetooth Modem, 1Gb Ethernet,
UltraNav
Secure Chip
FPR
Camera
9c Li-Ion
Win7 Pro 64


...While the 3KU has got these specifications:
i7-2760QM(2.4GHz),
4GB RAM,
500GB 7200rpm HD,
15.6in 1600x900 LCD,
2GB Nvidia Quadro 1000M,
CDRW/DVDRW,Intel 802.11agn,WWAN option,Bluetooth,Modem,
1Gb Ethernet,
UltraNav,
Secure Chip,
FPR,
Camera,
9c Li-Ion,
Win7 Pro 64



- So from these, we can tell that the 39U has the i7 2820QM and the FHD display, while the 3KU has got a 2760QM and HD+ display.

I know what I'd choose here instantly
Definitely the one with the FHD display. That little difference in CPU doesn't matter at all.

[ZaZ]

would I be missing something by choosing another model with a 1600 display instead of a 1920 one ?

FHD offers you the ability to fit more stuff on the screen, but it comes at the cost of smaller text. Some can handle it while others cannot. It might be a good idea to get a look at a 15" FHD LCD to see if you like it before spending your money.

[visitor]

ZaZ, that is a sound advice, I'll try to find a store with a 1920 display in 15 inches.
I currently use an X201s Thinkpad that has a 1440 resolution in a 12.1 screen and I'm good with it. For comparison, I have an X60s with a 1024 resolution but I feel that text is better on the X201s because it has a much brighter screen. I remember I was very concerned about this before committing to the X201s until I had a chance to personally grab one at J&R and it was love at first sight. Unfortunately I won't be looking at a W520 beforehand.
Thank you for advising.

Cola, you have spotted the differences: cpu, screen resolution, and there's also less RAM in the 3KU (4gb Vs 8gb in the 39U). The confusion lies in the machines' descriptions by the seller which show both having FHD and 8gb RAM, which turns out incorrect.
So I will follow ZaZ's and look for a 15-in screen with 1920 and see if I can handle it, if not the 1600 will drain less from my savings.
Thank you again.

Visitor
(X201s, X60s, previously: X31, T42, T23)

[pianowizard]

ZaZ, that is a sound advice, I'll try to find a store with a 1920 display in 15 inches.
I currently use an X201s Thinkpad that has a 1440 resolution in a 12.1 screen and I'm good with it.

You won't have any problem then, because 1440x900 on 12.1" has nearly the same pixel density as 1920x1080 on 15.6", 140.34 DPI versus 141.21 DPI, respectively.

[indicium]

Visitor:

The XX20QM cpu's were the first versions of the iCore 2nd Generation from Intel, the XX60QM were updated cpu's and released in November 2011. The same thing will happen to the current iCore 3rd Gen, which are 3720, 3820 and 3920, the next release before the major upgraded to 4th Gen will be 3760, 3860 and 3960 they keep the same characteristics but boost the speed up some and usually decrease the size (32nm vs 22nm).

Good luck in your quest, either one will do the job.

[visitor]

Thanks for clarifying it, Indicium, I understand it now.

Visitor
(X201s, X60s, previously: X31, T42, T23)